Book Feature: JUST TIIS Pilipinas + Exclusive Author Interview with Rommel Carrera

Studies say that listening to music while reading can help you relax and focus better but what do you think about a book that has its own original soundtrack? 

Yes, you heard that right! We just found a book that has its own soundtrack. JUST TIIS Pilipinas is a book series that provides its readers a more immersive experience through its original music soundtrack. This is definitely bringing book reading to the next level. 

Book 1: Heroes, Monsters and Puppet-Masters is about five Filipino teenagers who acquired superpowers based on their troublesome traits (chismosa/ rumor monger, naughty prankster, plastic, creative stealing.) In the book, they must learn to use these powers and battle Philippine mythical monsters (Tikbalangs, manananggals, aswang), in order to stop two warring universes from making the earth collateral damage in their quest for dominance. 

Book 2: Hatred is the Villain is about an unstoppable villain whose power feeds on hatred. A puppet master from another universe bent on building a machine that will lead to Earth’s destruction.

This exciting book series was written by Author Rommel Carrera, a former semi-professional musician, songwriter, singer, with a major label release in the 1990s. Since then, he has recorded primarily as a solo artist under the moniker “The BratCave”, and has won a songwriting award from the CCP.  He also has a degree in Chemical Engineering (cum laude) from the University of the Philippines, Diliman, and topped the Chemical Engineering board examinations. He was also an outstanding graduate of the Asian Institute of Management’s Basic Management Program. 

Today, we have the privilege to have this exclusive interview with Author Rommel Carrera to learn about this book series. 

1. Can you share with us something about the book that isn't in the blurb?

JUST TIIS Pilipinas is about superheroes with powers based on their troublesome traits, must overcome their internal turmoil and stop these villains.

This is the only book series with an embedded Original Music Soundtrack! The book features QR codes for links to soundtrack pieces, during key emotional moments in the book. This will give the reader the option for a more immersive experience.

2. What inspired the idea for your latest book?

I was inspired by producing a music album of "defective" superheroes 

Check the official soundtrack of JUST TIIS Pilipinas on Spotify

3. How long did it take you to write this book?

It took me two (2) months to finish Book 1: Heroes, Monsters and Puppet-Masters and three (3 months) to finish Book 2: Hatred is the Villain

4. What part of the book was most challenging to write and why?

Ensuring the harmony of the scenes and the accompanying original music was the most challenging part for me. 

5. What do you hope your readers take away from this book?

I hope that the readers become aware of the different social issues such as: 

• Race wars, and genocidal wars, across generations utilize the innocent as pawns and don’t care about the collateral damages.
• The use of religion and fear to control the behavior of people 
• Corruption by people in power, which includes both making money using their authority; and neglect of basic safety regulations which lead to people being victimized by disasters (eg, the alcohol plant explosion which killed Josh’s father)

We need to understand that monsters are not born but they are created by society (including the human monsters in the story) I also hope that the readers would learn to accept people from outside the traditional concepts of “normal”, including LGBTQ and people with “weird” behavior.

6. If you’re planning a sequel or write the next book, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

A 3rd book is in progress - which includes total war, a malevolent AI and a Kaiju monster. 

7. Where can we buy your books?

You can order via Shopee via this link: https://s.shopee.ph/4pwkzcDMSH 

It is also available through the 8Letters website, selected Fully Booked branches, and Big Bad Wolf. You can also get a Kindle version via Amazon. 

8. Where can readers find out more about you and your books?

You can also follow me through our official Facebook Page, Just Tiis Pilipinas - https://www.facebook.com/justiispilipinas 

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Thank you, Author Rommel for agreeing to this interview. We are happy to know more about your books and music. We look forward to seeing you at your book signing event at the Manila 
International Book Fair on Saturday, September 14.